Chin Surgery at Dallas Surgical Arts
It is evident that a strong chin and jawline are on the rise as popular cosmetic surgeries this year. Chin surgery, also called genioplasty or mentoplasty, currently ranks in the top most popular cosmetic surgery procedures! If you are unhappy with the shape of your chin, you may be considering a procedure like a genioplasty to achieve a more defined jawline, reshape your chin, and bring balance to your facial features. Keep reading to learn more about a genioplasty procedure and what to expect from chin surgery.
Different types of Genioplasties
There are several types of genioplasty procedures that can be used to improve chin balance. In an advancement genioplasty, Dallas facial cosmetic surgeon Dr. Randy Sanovich will advance your chin forward if it is recessed, or perform a reduction genioplasty to set your chin back if it protrudes outward. Another common chin surgery is the sliding genioplasty, where Dr. Randy Sanovich will move your chin to either side to correct any chin asymmetry.
Assessment for a Genioplasty
When consulting about a genioplasty, it’s important to focus on proportion. Every patient has different facial anatomy and esthetic goals, but a general rule is to be mindful of the Rickett’s E-plane, or esthetic plane. This is a measurement of the soft tissue angles between the tip of the nose to the chin, and when proportional, gives the patient their ideal aesthetic, uniquely balanced to their face. Typically, this balance is achieved when the most prominent anterior portion of the chin is about 3mm posterior to the line of the E-plane. Many patients will combine procedures, such as a rhinoplasty (nose surgery), with a genioplasty to improve the balance of the esthetic plane.
When you visit Dallas Surgical Arts for a consultation, you will meet with Dr. Randy Sanovich and our friendly staff to review your health history and discuss your treatment plan. Our team will take 2D and 3D imaging and a CBCT scan to allow Dr. Sanovich to simulate the surgery movements in the virtual surgical planning software prior to surgery. The Itero scan captures 3D images of the teeth and gums to create a digital model of your bite. With this technology, we are able to design custom surgical guides that give planning precision for the genioplasty surgery. You will have a pre-surgical appointment 2-3 weeks before your surgery where the plan will be reviewed with you and any consent forms will be signed at this time.
How is a genioplasty performed?
Dr. Sanovich will remove or add bone to increase or decrease the length of your chin and create a more defined jawline and balanced facial profile. Cosmetic genioplasties are performed in our comfortable surgical suites, under general anesthesia, and take approximately an hour and a half. Genioplasties are frequently combined with other procedures such as neck liposuction or jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) to balance the whole face as these combination procedures help to define the jawline and provide a desirable neck contour.
What can I expect during recovery?
You may experience some initial bruising and swelling after surgery but you will notice it subsides over time. We recommend sleeping in a reclined position for at least 10 days after your surgery to help minimize any swelling that will occur. Your neck may feel stiff or tight for about a month after the procedure. It is typical for patients to notice their smile changing during the healing process, and this is due to swelling. Your normal smile will be regained after the swelling has subsided.
It is also normal for your chin and neck to be numb for up to a few months after surgery. You will start to notice your nerve function regained and may even experience a ‘pins and needles’ sensation or the feeling that you need to scratch an itch as this function returns.
While numb during the recovery process, it is important to avoid any exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures, as you can risk burns to your skin.
We want our patients to experience a smooth recovery, so we recommend hydrating with 8-10 glasses of water or electrolyte drinks per day as your body heals.
We ask our patients to consume a soft or non-chew diet for at least a week after the surgery. The best practice for a soft-food diet is to only eat foods that you can cut with a fork alone. Our patients typically like to eat soft kinds of pasta, mashed potatoes, and casseroles. For your safety and for optimal results, avoid foods like seeds, nuts, and popcorn.
How long does genioplasty surgery last?
Genioplasty results are permanent, and optimal results can be seen at 6 months to 1-year post-procedure. Dr. Randy Sanovich has helped patients in Dallas and across the world to regain their desired facial aesthetic or function through genioplasty surgery.
Consulting about a genioplasty at Dallas Surgical Arts
Patients looking for a balanced facial aesthetic may be interested in a genioplasty to address their chin concerns.
Wondering if you are a candidate? Schedule a consultation with board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon Dr. Randy Sanovich and call 972-776-4888 today!